Traffic deaths decreased more than 10 per cent from 2007 to 2008, the Alberta government reported Monday. But it appears the overall number of accidents has risen over the past four years.
Traffic injuries also saw a 10 per cent drop in the same period, which is the lowest number of total casualties since 1995. Last year, over 158,000 collisions were reported in the province, which shows an increase of 46,000 accidents since 2004.
Traffic officials said driver error is to blame in 90 per cent of traffic collisions. Certain habits such as following too closely, running off the road and making a left turn across the path of an oncoming vehicle were the most frequently identified actions contributing to casualty collisions.
Alcohol was found to be a factor in 22.5 per cent of fatal crashes.
"Our traffic safety partners are working well together to do what we can to help save lives on Alberta's roads, but drivers play a key role in continuing to bring these numbers down," said Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation.
Solicitor General Fred Lindsay said the increased presence of police on roads helps to target aggressive drivers and speeders in Alberta.
Officials report that fatal collisions peak each year in the months of August, September and October.
And male drivers between the ages of 18 and 19 were the most likely to be involved in crashes that resulted in fatalities.
With files from the Canadian Press
